Central-line blood stream infection is an infection acquired by patients who have had an intravenous (IV), central, or venous line catheter placed. Catheters are used to administer medications, intravenous or nutritional supplements, and to monitor central venous pressure. They are also used to obtain blood samples that are needed to monitor sick children. Although they have numerous benefits, catheters can put patients at risk for blood stream infections. Blood stream infections are considered to be associated with a catheter if the line was in use during the 48-hour period prior to the infection.

What are we doing to maintain a low rate of CL-BSIs?

Catheter insertion and catheter maintenance bundles

Hand hygiene

Education initiative involving visual posters that describe how to draw blood cultures for patients, pediatrics, and neonates under 2 months of age to ensure proper technique